MISGUIDED LEADERSHIP OFFERS A CHANCE FOR A NEW DIRECTION

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Since being drafted 1st overall by the Buccaneers, Jameis Winston will not suit up for the game against the Jets this weekend. His shoulder injury was re-aggravated during the beat down by the Saints. Many fans called for Winston to be rested for at least the Saints game, his performance during the Panthers game was off and he was not his normal self. Watching how the Colts handled the Andrew Luck situation, we can’t be blamed for being over cautious. Jameis offers us the best shot at a franchise quarterback in a long time.

The Bucs will also be without star wideout Mike Evans this weekend. His absence will be his own doing, when he took a shot at the Saints CB Marshon Lattimore, allowing his emotions to get the better of him. Some will argue he was protecting his quarterback, some will say it was thuggish and uncalled for. No matter your opinion, the NFL has strict rules regarding players actions on the field. Evans was lucky to not be ejected from the game, many players have been ejected for far less in previous games this season. Receiving only a one game suspension, Evans should be counting his blessings.

The critical issue this writer offers is did Winston bring the whole thing on them both? No matter what reason Lattimore was jawing away on our sideline, Winston stepped out of line when coming from the sidelines to poke and or push Lattimore in the back of the head, provoking a response from Lattimore, which then led to the response from Evans.

Winston is still only 23 years old and has shown some signs of immaturity stemming back to his off the field issues back at Florida State and most recent pre-game hype speech which left many fans and players shaking their heads (His intentions were good). Evans is only 24 himself and has shown a few times on the field his emotions can get the better of him. On a team that is struggling to break free of a 4-game losing streak and find a way to become a winning team again, these types of actions are not only uncalled for but are also very counterproductive.

Without Winston or Evans, the team will hand the ball to veterans Ryan Fitzpatrick and DeSean Jackson against the Jets. Ironically the Jets are the last team Fitz played for so maybe he will offer some inside knowledge to aid the defense. The veteran presence is something this writer hopes will offer the team a new perspective and possibly end this losing streak and dare I say start a winning one. With Evans being suspended this game, the team has brought back WR Feddy Martino, who showed potential during the latter part of last season. A chance is sometimes all a player needs in today’s NFL.

Being a Bucs fan, it has become increasingly hard to remain optimistic about this season, but with that, a lack of optimism has become all too familiar of a feeling. Here’s to hoping we can ride Fitz past a well-coached Jets team that’s coming off a big win against the Bills! AS ALWAYS GO BUCS!!

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